Foot cramps slowed Pacquiao against Marquez
LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao will seek medical advice in an attempt to explain the mystery cramps he suffered in his controversial win over Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday.
Pacquiao began to experience painful cramping in the arches of his feet in the fourth round and claimed the discomfort did not subside until after the fight.
"That was when it started," Pacquiao said. "I felt so bad that my balance was gone. Every time I threw a punch I could feel it."
[Related: Pacquiao beats Marquez by controversial decision]
Pacquiao's cramps puzzled head trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza. Roach said Pacquiao will be tested in the coming weeks in an attempt to identify the cause of the problem.
"It was difficult for Manny," Roach said. "His in-and-out motion was affected and he was coming in flatfooted. The pain started in his arches and then spread up to his calf. It is something that we really have to figure out and we will get advice on it.
"This has happened in his last two fights and we want to get it fixed. We are not making excuses."
 | [Slideshow: Check out photos from Pacquiao-Marquez] |
Pacquiao experienced the same issue when he fought Shane Mosley in May but was so dominant that it had no effect on the outcome. Marquez, though, put in an outstanding performance that many thought was good enough to have won the fight.
Marquez was disgusted when two judges gave the fight to Pacquiao 116-112 and 115-113, while a third scored it as a 114-114 draw.
Pacquiao took more than an hour to appear at his post-fight press conference after receiving 28 stitches on a one-inch cut under his right eye.
[Dan Wetzel: Manny Pacquiao's invincibility pierced in divisive win]
Roach was adamant that despite the close nature of the fight and the angry response of the crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the judges made the right decision.
"The rounds were all close, and when that happens you should give it to the more aggressive fighter," Roach said. "Manny was clearly more aggressive, Marquez only tried to counterpunch him.
"I think Manny won the fight but I do think Marquez fought a good fight and deserves a rematch."
Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum has already touted the possibility of a fourth fight between the pair, which could earn Marquez up to $15 million with purse and pay-per-view revenues.
More Pacquiao-Marquez III coverage:
• Angry Juan Manuel Marquez says he might retire after 'robbery'
• Promoter Bob Arum ready to set up Pacquiao-Marquez IV
• Y! Sports Radio: Chaotic scene after Manny Pacquiao's controversial win
